Deep Learning for Wind and Solar Energy Forecasting in Hydrogen Production

• Published in: Energies (Basel) Vol. 17; no. 5; p. 1053
• Main Authors: Nikulins, Arturs, Sudars, Kaspars, Edelmers, Edgars, Namatevs, Ivars, Ozols, Kaspars, Komasilovs, Vitalijs, Zacepins, Aleksejs, Kviesis, Armands, Reinhardt, Andreas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Analysis; Artificial intelligence; deep learning; Energy industry; fully connected neural networks; Green technology; Hydrogen; hydrogen production; Neural networks; Privacy; renewable energy sources; Sensors; Solar energy; sustainable energy systems; Weather forecasting; Latvia
• ISSN: 1996-1073; 1996-1073
• DOI: 10.3390/en17051053

This research delineates a pivotal advancement in the domain of sustainable energy systems, with a focused emphasis on the integration of renewable energy sources—predominantly wind and solar power—into the hydrogen production paradigm. At the core of this scientific endeavor is the formulation and implementation of a deep-learning-based framework for short-term localized weather forecasting, specifically designed to enhance the efficiency of hydrogen production derived from renewable energy sources. The study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of fully connected neural networks (FCNs) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) within the realm of deep learning, aimed at refining the accuracy of renewable energy forecasts. These methodologies have demonstrated remarkable proficiency in navigating the inherent complexities and variabilities associated with renewable energy systems, thereby significantly improving the reliability and precision of predictions pertaining to energy output. The cornerstone of this investigation is the deployment of an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven weather forecasting system, which meticulously analyzes data procured from 25 distinct weather monitoring stations across Latvia. This system is specifically tailored to deliver short-term (1 h ahead) forecasts, employing a comprehensive sensor fusion approach to accurately predicting wind and solar power outputs. A major finding of this research is the achievement of a mean squared error (MSE) of 1.36 in the forecasting model, underscoring the potential of this approach in optimizing renewable energy utilization for hydrogen production. Furthermore, the paper elucidates the construction of the forecasting model, revealing that the integration of sensor fusion significantly enhances the model’s predictive capabilities by leveraging data from multiple sources to generate a more accurate and robust forecast. The entire codebase developed during this research endeavor has been made available on an open access GIT server.